Leeds United flop on Everton transfer shortlist as key rivals agree £27m striker deal with medical planned
A round-up of the latest big transfer news surrounding Leeds United's key Premier League rivals.
Leeds United are expected to confirm their first summer arrival in due course with no secret who it will be. The Whites agreed a deal to sign free agent Harry Wilson over a week ago and despite some concerns over the delay, nothing is believed to have gone awry.
Wilson will be part of Daniel Farke’s squad next season and Elland Road chiefs are working hard to add more quality. They’ve been in talks with free agent Julian Brandt and have seen bids worth north of £20m rejected for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
While Leeds continue to pursue those deals and assess other options, some of their key 2026/27 Premier League rivals have also been hard at work. And with that in mind, the YEP has rounded up some of the key recent transfer stories from across those teams.
Ex-Leeds United flop on Everton radar
Former Leeds United loanee Djed Spence has emerged as a target for Everton, according to The Athletic. David Moyes’ side are in the market for a new right-back with veteran Seamus Coleman leaving at the end of last season and Nathan Patterson attracting interest from elsewhere.
Spence joined Leeds on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, but his season-long spell was cut short the following January. The full-back made just seven appearances before Elland Road chiefs decided to exercise a break clause in his deal but has enjoyed a career revival in North London.
The 25-year-old recently played a role in England’s heroic 3-2 World Cup last-16 win over Mexico at the Azteca and is now believed to be on Everton’s transfer radar. Another former Leeds loanee is named as a potential target, with Arsenal’s Ben White also liked on Merseyside.
Key rivals agree £27m striker deal
One of Leeds’ key relegation rivals have agreed a big-money move for one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. According to Sky Sports, Ipswich Town are on the verge of signing FC Toulouse frontman Emersonn in a deal worth €31million (£26.6m) including add-ons.
The 21-year-old Brazilian is now set to undergo medical tests ahead of making the transfer official, with Ipswich’s fellow newly-promoted rivals Hull City also interested but missing out. Emersonn registered six goals and two assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances playing alongside Charlie Cresswell at Toulouse last season.
Ipswich and Hull are one of two teams looking to replicate what Leeds managed last season in avoiding instant relegation, with the former looking to youth in the form of Emersonn. Last summer, the youngest person to arrive at Elland Road was then-25-year-old Noah Okafor, with all additions aged between 25 and 28.
Brentford to land free agent
Experienced striker Callum Wilson looks set for another Premier League free transfer, this time to Brentford. According to BBC Sport, The 34-year-old is in ‘advanced talks’ to join the Bees on an initial 12-month contract - his second in as many years.
Wilson left relegated West Ham upon the expiration of his contract this summer, having scored seven goals in 32 Premier League appearances. The former Newcastle and Bournemouth man looks set to provide competition for Brazilian frontman Igor Thiago.
Former Leeds loanee Jaidon Anthony is also due to join Brentford following the agreement of £20m deal with Burnley. Keith Andrews’ side are the first opponent due at Elland Road next season, their meeting with the Whites currently scheduled for Saturday August 29.